Advocating for children and families has been my life’s work. I pursued a degree in teaching because teachers filled in the gaps for me and instilled a love of learning. Education gave me more opportunities than I ever dreamed possible. I’ve served many organizations from public schools to the YMCA to Google to Head Start. Regardless of economic status, families from all walks of life struggle to support and raise their children. As a society, we have not valued affordable, accessible child care for working families, our teachers, paid parental leave, and other support systems. I look forward to working with Mancos United to build a stronger and more united community in Mancos with a focus on the next generation.